Bloody Protests in Bangladesh: A Nation in Turmoil
Anti-government protests in Bangladesh have led to deadly confrontations between police and university students across the country. The violence has claimed at least 150 lives, with survivors sharing their harrowing experiences with the BBC.
The Spark of Violence
One student recounted that the demonstrations in Dhaka were meant to be peaceful, but police actions escalated the situation. The student, currently hospitalized, described being blindfolded and tortured by individuals who identified themselves as police officers. An emergency department doctor spoke of being overwhelmed as dozens of young people with gunshot wounds arrived during the height of the clashes.
Accusations and Blame
Security forces have been accused of using excessive force, but the government blames political opponents for inciting the unrest. The protests began in response to imposed quotas on government jobs, most of which have now been abolished by the Supreme Court. A nationwide internet blackout and curfew enforced by thousands of soldiers have further restricted information flow.
Unrest Under Sheikh Hasina’s Leadership
The violence presents a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 76, who began her fourth consecutive term in January following a controversial election boycotted by major opposition parties. The conflict reached its peak between Thursday and Saturday.
A Student’s Perspective
Raya, a student at BRAC University, joined the protests on 17 July. She described the escalation on the following day when police attacked students with tear gas around 11:30 am. As the situation worsened, police used rubber bullets and trapped students on campus, preventing them from aiding the injured. By afternoon, police ordered the students to disperse.
A City in Chaos
By 19 July, Natun Bazaar near Rampura became a battleground, with protesters throwing bricks and stones at police, who responded with shotgun fire, tear gas, and sound grenades. A helicopter fired from above, turning the area into a war zone. BBC reporters witnessed widespread destruction, with burning vehicles and dismantled barricades. Hospitals were inundated with injured protesters, many arriving covered in blood. Doctors performed numerous surgeries, overwhelmed by the influx of patients.
The Curfew and Army Deployment
The situation deteriorated by Friday evening, prompting the government to declare a nationwide curfew and deploy the army. During this chaos, student leader Nahid Islam went missing. He later recounted being abducted, interrogated, and tortured by individuals claiming to be detectives before being released.
Stories of the Deceased
Among the deceased was Maruf Hossain, 21, who was job-hunting in Dhaka. His mother had warned him to stay home, but he was shot while trying to escape the violence and later died in the hospital. Selim Mandal, a construction worker, perished in a fire that broke out during the unrest. Hasib Iqbal, 27, reportedly a member of the protest movement, died under unclear circumstances. His father, Mr. Razzaq, found black marks on Hasib’s chest, despite his death certificate stating asphyxiation. Mr. Razzaq, heartbroken, has no plans to file a complaint.
These events highlight the severe tension and unrest in Bangladesh, as the nation grapples with political instability and violence.
